Fatal Shot

“A second talent?”

When Feng Luo saw the notification in the system log and the icon in his talent menu, he was pleasantly surprised.

“So there’s a second talent in this game?”

Luo Feng honestly hadn’t known this. It was not on the official site, nor was it ever revealed in the discussion forums among the players. Clearly, there were either no players who had received a second talent—making him the first one—or a few players who had achieved this, but they had kept it a secret. After all, they would want to keep this benefit to themselves, not wanting others to know this secret, because the players in this game were all competitors.

This second talent, known as “Evolution,” seemed to be a passive growth talent that would only be effective as the player continued to develop in the game. But the talent description, which read “permanent physical attribute enhancement can only be triggered by special events,” was rather ambiguous. What events triggered it, exactly? How much would the attributes be enhanced each time? These details were not specified. As such, he couldn’t tell the exact strength of this talent. Was it worthy of an S-rank talent?

Just when he thought of this, Feng Luo’s gaze fell on the next two lines in the system log.

As you combine the unknown primary mutation virus and WM-2 gene agent, all base attributes +2, all resistances +2%, all senses slightly enhanced!

In the process of combination, your Evolution talent has been activated. Bonus: base attributes +2, all energy resistances +2%, all senses moderately enhanced. You have obtained most of the primary mutation resistances from the Evolution Virus.

It was confirmed. It was definitely an S-rank talent. After combining with the virus, the attribute enhancement was doubled! To put this into context, when he was awarded a badge of honor for a mission in Town of Exiles, it had given him “base attributes +5, all resistances +5.” With the added bonus attributes increase now, neglecting equipment stats, his basic attributes were higher than normal Level-50 players! You might even say this was savage!

Additionally, this was not just a one-time effect talent. It could continue to improve various character attributes—not only the four basic attributes but including others like senses and virus resistance. It was quite priceless!

Feng Luo could feel that his physical attributes were about to embark on an exceptional path. And perhaps, with a significant improvement in perception, he could feel his train of thought becoming much clearer.

Before this, when aiming a shot from very long distance, he would need two seconds to clearly calculate the effects of wind speed, temperature, and humidity for his shot. But now, it seemed like the answer would simply pop into his mind. To a Sniper, this increase was even more significant!

In fact, ignoring all other factors, having two powerful S-ranked talents in War… He was probably the only one.

“Hey, Feng! Say something, man. How do you feel now?” Big Pineapple stood aside, looking at him with his tilted head and waiting for his reply.

Feng Luo looked at the endless sea and endless sky outside the cabin with shining eyes. “Excellent!”

******

Compared to the relaxed mood of those aboard the ferry, the Roaring Dragon Mercenary players were mostly dejected.

A handsome young caucasian NPC with short, light-blonde hair spoke to Roaring Dragon Invincible calmly while holding a silver case with an umbrella symbol etched on it.

“Roaring Dragon Corp Leader, you were unable to obtain the evolutionary virus serum from the S-53 military base, and the data in the base mainframe has been completely deleted. As such, it is regrettable for us to inform you that not a single agreement we had beforehand will be fulfilled by the company!”

As his Rare-grade Level-48 green and gold-fringed energy robe swayed in the sea breeze, Dragon Roaring Invincible furrowed his brow and replied with a frown, “Mr. William, I hope you can consider this for a moment. This situation was truly too sudden. We did not think that anyone else could obtain this information and proceed ahead of us. Furthermore, to help your company, we have expended many resources and personnel. Don’t you think a little compensation is reasonable?”

The Dragon Roaring Mercenary Group had spent more than half a month planning this mission and had utilized three squads. The landing had even taken 150 expert players. The group was not feeling so well after spending so much time, money, and effort on this mission—and getting nothing in return.

“That’s your problem and none of our business,” the NPC called William replied coldly without batting an eye.

“William, don’t be so cold to them,” spoke up an Asian-looking researcher. He looked at Invincible with a smile. “Corp leader, I have a suggestion. Why don’t you consider it? Virus experiments require a huge amount of living samples. And now, the T-series virus is entering the final phase. So we’re running out of inmates. You adventurers are individuals who will never truly die. Maybe we could continue our planned partnership by having your corps take on some of the experimental work. This will be a huge benefit to you, right?”

Before Invincible said anything, the players around him looked pale, as if remembering something terrible.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Fujiwara, but I cannot accept this proposal!” Invincible rejected in a firm tone.

His answer was swift and stern. He remembered that half a month ago, a corps member had triggered a secret mission from this company known as the “Umbrella.” He had discovered that they were developing a virus that could trigger human evolution, like a gene chip. After injecting this virus into the player, their character attributes would be enhanced. This was clearly the rare mission with an additional attribute bonus that was being hotly discussed on the forum.

After learning about the mission, they had immediately contained all information and conducted a negotiation.

The aim of the negotiation was to split the profits. The Roaring Dragon Mercenary Group was quite large. There were too many people and too few missions. Even the higher-ups of the various branches would quarrel just to get some missions. But what was the end result?

It was true that after injecting the T-series evolutionary virus, players did have a chance to get stronger. Even their character’s base attributes, senses, and resistances would be increased significantly. But the success rate of combining with the virus was only 10 percent! The remaining 90 percent of players would not only have decreased stats, but their appearance would become extremely disgusting and horrifying. Whether their faces could be called “human” would even be debatable.

For players who failed in the combination, their only choice would be to die and lose a level of experience points to restore their normal appearance. Furthermore, it would not be a full restoration. Even if they were revived, they would still be missing some attributes. As such, more than 40 elite Roaring Dragon players had lost their attributes, and only five of them had gained some. Talk about a net loss!

Dying was actually not the only option after becoming a monster. Invincible thought of the top Heavy Armor Warrior in the group now. He was the only one who had continued to participate in the experiment after his appearance was altered. And now, his capabilities far surpassed the other players in the group. He also had the potential to become one of the first few players to reach Level 50. But his face now was so…

“Since we do not have an agreement, it’s too bad that we can only be partners another time.”

Mr. Fujiwara revealed a disappointed expression. Then he lifted the case in his arms and walked with William toward a black-colored armed helicopter parked not too far away.

Invincible looked at the gradually shrinking silhouettes of the two NPCs. A hint of doubt appeared on his face, but his expression firmed up quickly.

At this moment, a pretty player in a white uniform turned on her terminal virtual screen, came close to him, and said, “Leader, I have something to tell you! The directors are very displeased with the failure of this mission and are contemplating cutting our funds next month. Also, they have suggested that you accept the proposal from Umbrella. After all, even lowering the attributes of nine players and losing their XP in exchange for one powerful player is a very logical choice now. For the development of the guild, we need to sacrifice the normal players for a star player! Finally, they stress that they hope you can find someone to be responsible for this failure. After all, some of them need to give an explanation…”

The female player looked at Invincible who wore a calm expression. After a short pause, she continued.

“They meant… Ruinous Star.”

Invincible closed his eyes as if he was thinking of something.

Just when the female player—a secretary sent to him by the directors—thought everything had settled and was starting to relax, Invincible suddenly wheeled on her and stared at her coldly. This frightened her, and her face turned pale. Then he spoke.

“It’s true that they are investors,” he said. “I will not let them suffer any losses. But Roaring Dragon is still my group. I decide its development. Also, tell them this: Personnel issues in the Roaring Dragon Mercenary Group are none of their business!”